A Brief History of Mililani Hongwanji :
30 SPECIAL YEARS (1977 - 2007)
Mililani Hongwanji is one of thirty-six temples of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. The Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii plans and implements all of its programs toward the understanding and appreciation of Shin Buddhism (Jodo Shinshu).
The past thirty years have been 30 SPECIAL YEARS for the Mililani Hongwanji, and it is with great joy and gratitude that we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the founding of Mililani Hongwanji in March, 1977, when the 44 charter members signed the charter and pledged to financially support the establishment of a Jodo Shinshu Temple in the fast growing Mililani Town in Central Oahu. Beginning in 1976, a few Nembutsu followers led by Bob and June Asato and Mel Hayase gathered at each other's homes to worship and discuss various topics of Buddhism and the Hongwanji. That spark has endured and grown to include the many wonderful people who have joined the Mililani Sangha over the past 30 years.
The 44 Charter Members made donations and signed the following charter statement:
“The MILILANI HONGWANJI BUDDHIST SANGHA is established on February 6, 1977 by those who are in agreement with the purposes of the organization and accept the attached BY-LAWS by signing below. The Charter Membership will be open until March 6, 1977.”
Dorothy A. Abe Gertrude Akamine Thomas S. Akamine June M. Asato
Robert Y. Asato Chiyoko Chinen Judith Hamada Melvin T. Hayase Larry Hiyakumoto
Douglas Y. Kawakami Sharon S. Kuboyama Ann Matsuoka George Matsuoka
Dr._____ Mistri Jane S. Miyasaki Warren H. Miyasaki Elsie S. Morikawa
Rev. Norito Nagao Mae M. Nakayama Magaret A. Nishimura Arnold T. Okubo
Sandra L. Okubo Dr. Charumati Rao Dr. Krishna V.S. Rao Deanna K. Sato Harold K. Sato
Nancy Tanaka Frederic Tann-Bezold Elsie Thames Masue Toma Shinji Toma
Fay Toyama Ivan K. Toyama Sarah Uchima Lloyd N. Uradomo Wiley Watanabe
Ditmar Watanabe-Bezold Helene S. Yamase Kenneth K. Yamase Lorna Yamashiro
Neil Yamashiro Glenn Yoshimori Dianne Yoshizawa Tom Yoshizawa
Each year of the 30-year history has been a special year, for with each year we welcomed new members and added new facilities and programs. We built strong bonds of friendship and trust as we worked and played together as Nembutsu followers. As the years went by, many, individuals and families enhanced and increased the presence of Mililani Hongwanji as a respected and valued member of the Mililani community.
It is with great joy and deep appreciation that we share this celebration with all who have witnessed or participated in these special years.
1976:
The first meeting of Mililani Buddhists (9) is held at the home of Melvin T. Hayase.
First Community Buddhist Worship Service held in Mililani at the Community Recreation Center for Thanksgiving Service with Bishop Yoshiaki Fujitani officiating.
Hawaii Kyodan purchases property (1.792 acres) in Mililani.
1977:
January: Monthly Family Service begins at Rec Center II. Sunday School begins with 18 students and seven teachers under supervisor, June M. Asato.
February 6, 1977 - March, 1977
The Mililani Hongwanji Buddhist Sangha is chartered with 44 charter members. Robert Y. Asato is elected first president of Mililani Hongwanji
Rev. Norito Nagao of Wahiawa Hongwanji is designated Minister Advisor.
August: First Obon service and Bon Dance held at Rec Center I.
1978:
Fujinkai (Buddhist Women’s Association) is organized with June M. Asato as first president..
1979:
November: Rev. Kojun Suehira, first Resident Minister, is assigned to the Mililani Hongwanji under the sponsorship of the Hawaii Kyodan.
1980:
Sr. YBA is organized with Harley Ishii as the first president.
February 10, 1980: Groundbreaking for the Mililani Hongwanji Multi-purpose building.
July, 1980: Membership passes 100 families.
November, 1980: Construction of building and minister's residence is completed.
December 4, 1980: First service in the Mililani Hongwanji officiated by Rev. Suehira.
1981:
February 13-14, 1981: The Dedication of the Mililani Hongwanji is celebrated by the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii with participation by His Eminence Monshu Koshin Ohtani and Lady Noriko. Activities include Confirmation Rites, Chigo Parade, Dedication Service, Dedication Ceremony, Dinner, Keirokai, and Open House program.
Ki-Aikido program organized by Sensei Sakae Kawamoto
August 2, 1981: Altar Dedication is observed with special service and tree planting.
September, 1981: Dana Club (known as Youth Club and Teen Club) is organized.
1982:
March, 1982: Mililani Hongwanji observes Fifth Anniversary Celebration Month with a special service, a banquet, public programs, and the construction of an address sign with a time capsule (to be opened on the first Sunday in the 21st century) with the theme “Kansha”.
July 9, 1982: The first Obon Lantern Parade winds its way through the streets of Mililani from the Golf Course to the Temple grounds.
July, 1982: Mililani Hongwanji Judo program is organized by Sensei David Nishioka.
September, 1982 : The Children's Chorus is organized by Gail Taira.
1983:
The Jr. YBA is organized with Susan K. Asato as the first President.
Membership passes 200 families and is celebrated with a banquet and family
program.
1984:
Rev. Suehira leaves Mililani Hongwanji to further his education.
August 1, 1984: Rev. Hiromi Kawaji of Pearl City, appointed Minister Advisor.
1985:
April: Rev. Yukiko Motoyoshi becomes the second Resident Minister at Mililani
Groundbreaking for the Mililani Hongwanji Educational Building.
Karaoke Club is organized.
1986:
Educational Building shell is completed.
Baccalaureate Luau/Dinner project initiated
Bazaar is sponsored.
1987:
Mililani Hongwanji Observes Tenth Anniversary Celebration Month with the theme, “Ho`ole`a” ,with a special service, a banquet, public programs, youth programs, Judo tournament, open house. The Educational Building is dedicated.
1989:
The year is devoted to celebrating the Hongwanji Centennial.
1990:
To serve and fill the needs of the young families, the BASS childcare program was officially opened as a licensed day care operation in September, 1990.
Rev. Arthur Marutani becomes the third Resident Minister at Mililani Hongwanji.
First Golf Tournament sponsored as a fundraiser.
1992:
Mililani Hongwanji Adopts the Section of Kam Highway that passes through Mililani in the State of Hawaii`s Adopt-A-Highway Program.
Monthly Kyodan Breakfast at Sizzler initiated by President Richard Taira.
1993:
Rev. Shigeaki Fujitani becomes the fourth Resident Minister at Mililani
Hongwanji.
Construction of Garage and Storage Building
1994:
The Buddha Day Display is constructed and displayed on the front lawn.
The elaborate and delightful lighted Bodhi Tree Display and the message of Bodhi Day was first shared with the people and visitors of Hawaii during the month of December along with other holiday displays on the grounds of Honolulu Hale (City Hall).
1995:
Mililani Project Dana program is established.
The Mililani Hongwanji Scholarship Program is initiated.
1996:
Renovated storage area behind altar into Minister`s Office and BASS
office.
First Mililani Hongwanji Website (www.geocities.com/Athens/8072) established.
1997:
20th Anniversary Celebration with theme “Embracing the Dharma”.
The Conceptual plan of the new Temple Building was introduced.
Hawaii Bone Marrow Registry Drive sponsored by Mililani Hongwanji.
1998:
October, 1998: Rev. Akinori Morii becomes the fifth Resident Minister at
Mililani Hongwanji.
1999:
Computerized record keeping.
2000:
Time Capsule is opened.
Official Mililani Hongwanji website at www.MililaniHongwanji.org
2001:
Participation in American Cancer Society "Relay for Life" event.
2002:
Mililani Hongwanji Observes 25th Anniversary with Commemorative Service and special projects and events with theme, “The Golden Chain of Love”.
2007:
May 6, 2007:
Mililani Hongwanji Observes 30th Anniversary and Onaijin Dedication.
The Leaders of the Mililani Hongwanji
The following individuals led the Mililani Hongwanji during its first 25 years. Many individuals who served on the Board of Directors and led the various affiliated organizations supported these leaders. Mililani Hongwanji is able to celebrate this significant Anniversary through their dedication and the participation of the members and friends in the Hongwanji and the Mililani Community.
Ministers of Mililani Hongwanji
Rev. Norito Nagao - Minister Advisor (Wahiawa) 1977 - 1979
Rev. Kojun Suehira 1979 - 1984
Rev. Hiromi Kawaji 1984 - 1985
Rev. Yukiko Motoyoshi 1985 - 1990
Rev. Arthur Marutani 1990 - 1993
Rev. Shigeaki Fujitani 1993 - 1998
Rev. Akinori Morii 1998 - present
Presidents of Mililani Hongwanji
Robert Y. Asato 1977 - 1979
Melvin T. Hayase 1979 - 1980
Paul J. Tanaka 1981 - 1983
Robert Y. Asato 1984 - 1985
Gordon Y. Watanabe 1986 - 1988
Janet H. Youth 1989 - 1991
Richard Taira 1992 - 1993
Masami Nishimoto 1994 - 1995
Robert Y. Asato 1996 - 1997
Gordon Y. Watanabe 1998
June M. Asato 1999 - 2000
Norman Doi 2001 -- present
Note: This history was compiled by the Archive Committee. If there are any omissions or erroneous information, please inform Mililani Hongwanji or Bob Asato at BobAsato@hawaii.rr.com.